3 minute read

Learning off a number of internationals during his time at Super League club Wakefield has Sam Williams in a good place on his return to the Canberra Raiders.

A year in the Super League has Sam Williams primed to make his third stint with the Canberra Raiders a winner.

The halfback has returned from Wakefield Trinity full of experience and ideas on how to cement his spot in Ricky Stuart's side.

Williams credits Wakefield assistant coach Lee Gilmour, who played 15 times for Great Britain, along with Irish internationals Scott Grix and Liam Finn with helping him develop as a player.

He ran in five tries in 24 appearances at Wakefield and played a notable role in the Wildcats reaching the Super 8 stage of the competition.

"I'm 26, so I'm still learning and getting better," Williams said.

"You learn about your own game the more you play and I feel like I've grown as a player from the time in England.

"The footy over there becomes a lot quicker with the grounds being harder and drier as the season goes on and I was able to pick the minds of those different players."

Williams faces stiff competition from Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer for a spot in the starting 13.

But his strong showing in last Saturday's trial, which included setting up Sia Soliola for a try in the second half, would have impressed Stuart and the coaching staff.

"I love wearing the green jersey and that's what I want to be doing so I haven't tried to complicate my goals too much for this year," Williams said.

"I don't mind where it is or what number is on my back, I just want to be playing every week for this club and since I got back here I've been doing everything in my control to do that."

The former Raiders rookie of the year has played 66 times for Canberra since debuting in 2011, along with four appearances at St George Illawarra in 2014.